POSITION DESCRIPTION
Position Title: Director, Adult Bereavement Services
Reports To: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Supervisory Responsibilities: Volunteers and Interns
FLSA Classification: Exempt
Full-Time Equivalent: .75-1.0 (30-40 hours per week)
Hours of Work: TBD, Flexible. Some evening/weekend required
Work Location: CaringMatters in Gaithersburg, MD. Ability to do some teleworking.
Date: October 24, 2022
POSITION SUMMARY
The Director of Adult Bereavement Services is responsible for the management and coordination of support programs and services for adults who are grieving the death of a loved one. Current programs include both remote and in-person bereavement support groups, a weekend-long, bereaved caregivers’ retreat, Tree-of-Love memorial ceremony, and community workshops and presentations. All programs and services target Montgomery County residents. The Director is expected to work to expand the number of people served and create new programs in response to unmet needs with a particular focus on racially/ethnically diverse and/or low-income residents.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Program Design and Delivery
Responds to calls/email requests for information, crisis problem-solving, and referrals to community resources
Completes intakes for program enrollment
For current and new programs, ensures that
Program goals align with agency’s mission and current Three-Year Strategic Plan
Population to be served is clearly identified with outreach/marketing plan
Program design will yield intended outcomes for clients; updates are made as needed
Implementation tasks and timeline is established and monitored
Ensure that programs have the necessary staff and volunteer support and other resources
Ensure compliance with program policies and procedures
Works to ensure that all elements of the Adult Bereavement Program area are culturally competent, promoting inclusion and equity for all diverse populations
Maintains oversight and accountability for program spending
Volunteer Recruitment, Training and Support
Participates in the agency’s efforts to recruit, train, coordinate and mentor volunteers, bereavement support groups and bereaved caregiver's retreat
Ensures that volunteers complete and submit required forms
Designs and delivers initial pre-program training of volunteers
Provides ongoing mentorship and support through individual and group methods
Monitor the volunteers’ submission of hours served and any other essential information
Community Engagement
Interacts with a wide range of community stakeholders to identify unmet bereavement support service needs among the county’s diverse populations
Establishes relationships with community agencies for referrals and collaboration
Data Analysis for Accountability
Directly and with volunteer assistance, maintain records and data related to clients and program delivery amounts in Access database
Develop and ensure the collection of data regarding program satisfaction and client outcomes.
Utilize evaluation findings to improve and expand programming
Other
Support fund development efforts, especially working with the Grants Specialist on proposals
Provide presentations and supportive workshops to community groups
Keep abreast of effective programs and practices in the Adult Bereavement field
QUALIFICATIONS:
Education:
Bachelor’s required. Master’s preferred in counseling, social work, thanatology or related field
Specialized experience in bereavement support a plus
Experience & Skills:
At least 3 years working in programs that address people who are coping with loss and grief, including those due to long-term illness, as well as sudden, traumatic death, such as accidents, suicide, homicide, accidental overdose, etc.
Bi-lingual (English/Spanish) strongly preferred
Understanding of the grief process and best practices for providing support
Proven skills in program coordination, preferably in a non-profit organization
Experience recruiting, training, mentoring, and managing volunteers
Outstanding relationship-building skills with clients, volunteers, colleagues, and the community
Demonstrated ability to embrace culturally diverse populations
Ability to maintain confidential information
Excellent proactive problem-solving skills
Exceptional interpersonal, oral and written communication skills
Superior organizational skills to manage multiple priorities in a complex work environment
Effective time management and attention to detail required
Ability to work as part of a team in a service-oriented environment
Proficient in Microsoft Office, Zoom, and comfortable learning and using databases